New York City-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Iconic NYC

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day at Ess-a-Bagel (multiple locations), a New York institution serving up delicious bagels with cream cheese.
  • Empire State Building: Head to the iconic Empire State Building (350 5th Ave) and take in breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck on the 86th floor. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.

Afternoon

  • Central Park: Take a stroll through the picturesque Central Park, which offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • The Plaza Hotel: Stop by The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave) for some old-school glamour and people-watching.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Carbone (181 Thompson St), an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with retro decor and exceptional service.
  • Broadway Show: Catch a night on Broadway with a performance of your favorite show. Be sure to check for availability and book tickets in advance.

Recommended Accommodations:

  • The Plaza Hotel: For a luxurious experience, stay at the iconic The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave).
  • YOTEL New York: For a more affordable option, consider staying at YOTEL New York (570 10th Ave).

Transportation:

  • Subway: Use the subway to get around the city. Buy an MTA MetroCard for easy travel.
  • Yellow Cab: If you prefer not to use public transportation, take a yellow cab.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Respect the locals: Be mindful of pedestrian rules and avoid blocking sidewalks.
  • Tipping is key: Tip your taxi drivers, bartenders, and servers 15-20% for good service.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular spots can get crowded; plan accordingly.

Day 2: Culture and History

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St), a Jewish deli serving up bagels, smoked fish, and other treats.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Visit the renowned Met (1000 5th Ave) to explore over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years.

Afternoon

  • The Guggenheim: Stop by the Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Ave), a modern and contemporary art museum with stunning architecture.
  • Take a stroll through the Upper East Side: Explore the charming streets and upscale shops of the Upper East Side.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway, Brooklyn), a classic steakhouse serving up top-notch meat dishes.
  • The Apollo Theater: Catch a night of live music or comedy at the legendary Apollo Theater (253 W 125th St).

Recommended Accommodations:

  • YOTEL New York: For a more affordable option, consider staying at YOTEL New York (570 10th Ave).
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West: For a comfortable stay in the heart of Midtown, book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West (350 W 40th St).

Transportation:

  • Subway: Continue to use the subway for easy transportation around the city.
  • Walking: Explore the charming streets and neighborhoods on foot.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular spots can get crowded; plan accordingly.
  • Take your time: Don’t rush through museums or cultural attractions – take time to appreciate the art and history.

Day 3: Artistic Neighborhoods

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Cafe Habana (175 Ludlow St), a trendy spot serving up Cuban-inspired food.
  • SoHo: Explore the charming streets, upscale shops, and art galleries of SoHo.

Afternoon

  • The Whitney Museum of American Art: Visit the Whitney Museum (99 Gansevoort St) to explore over 25,000 works of American art from 1900 to the present.
  • Take a stroll through Greenwich Village: Explore the charming streets, historic brownstones, and trendy shops of Greenwich Village.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at L’Artusi (228 W 10th St), an Italian restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • A night out in the West Village: Catch a performance or explore the lively nightlife scene of the West Village.

Recommended Accommodations:

  • The Marlton Hotel: For a boutique hotel experience, stay at The Marlton Hotel (5 W 8th St).
  • Hotel Gansevoort: For a trendy and upscale stay in SoHo, book a room at Hotel Gansevoort (18 9th Ave).

Transportation:

  • Subway: Continue to use the subway for easy transportation around the city.
  • Walking: Explore the charming streets and neighborhoods on foot.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Respect local businesses: Support local businesses and avoid chain stores whenever possible.
  • Be mindful of pedestrian rules: Be aware of pedestrian traffic and take necessary precautions.

Day 4: Food and Markets

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel (multiple locations), a New York institution serving up delicious bagels with cream cheese.
  • Smorgasburg: Visit Smorgasburg (Navy Yard, Brooklyn), an outdoor market featuring over 100 food vendors.

Afternoon

  • Chelsea Market: Explore the bustling Chelsea Market, which features a variety of food stalls, shops, and restaurants.
  • Take a stroll through the Meatpacking District: Explore the trendy streets, upscale shops, and nightlife scene of the Meatpacking District.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Carbone (181 Thompson St), an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with retro decor and exceptional service.
  • A night out in Greenwich Village: Catch a performance or explore the lively nightlife scene of Greenwich Village.

Recommended Accommodations:

  • YOTEL New York: For a more affordable option, consider staying at YOTEL New York (570 10th Ave).
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West: For a comfortable stay in the heart of Midtown, book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West (350 W 40th St).

Transportation:

  • Subway: Continue to use the subway for easy transportation around the city.
  • Walking: Explore the charming streets and neighborhoods on foot.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular spots can get crowded; plan accordingly.
  • Take your time: Don’t rush through food markets or cultural attractions – take time to appreciate the sights and sounds.

Day 5: Iconic NYC Landmarks

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St), a Jewish deli serving up bagels, smoked fish, and other treats.
  • The Statue of Liberty: Take a ferry to Liberty Island to visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Afternoon

  • Central Park: Return to Central Park for a stroll or a picnic.
  • Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge: Explore the historic streets and take in the stunning views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway, Brooklyn), a classic steakhouse serving up top-notch meat dishes.
  • A night out in Brooklyn Heights: Catch a performance or explore the lively nightlife scene of Brooklyn Heights.

Recommended Accommodations:

  • YOTEL New York: For a more affordable option, consider staying at YOTEL New York (570 10th Ave).
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West: For a comfortable stay in the heart of Midtown, book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West (350 W 40th St).

Transportation:

  • Subway: Continue to use the subway for easy transportation around the city.
  • Walking: Explore the charming streets and neighborhoods on foot.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular spots can get crowded; plan accordingly.
  • Take your time: Don’t rush through iconic landmarks or cultural attractions – take time to appreciate the sights and sounds.